Empty Properties
My property is empty/will soon be empty. Do I still need to pay council tax?
Some empty properties may be entitled to a council tax exemption. For a full list of the available exemptions, please see Council Tax Exemptions.
Empty and Unfurnished properties.
In 2013, the government abolished two exemptions for empty properties. These were Class A and Class C exemptions which covered properties requiring/undergoing major repairs or structural alteration and unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties. From 1 April 2013, each council was allowed to create its' own local scheme.
Following an Extraordinary Meeting Of North Warwickshire Borough Council held on 17 January 2013, the Council adopted the following:
- A 25% discount on properties that require/undergo major repairs or structural alteration.
- A 100% discount for 14 days for properties the become unoccupied.
- A 50% premium applied once properties have been empty for a period of 2 years.
Why has a Long Term Empty Premium Charge been applied to my bill?
A premium is applied once a property has become empty for 2 years. The premium is applied to the property and not the individual council tax account. This means that even if there has been a change in council tax liability, the premium shall still be applied if the property has been empty for 2 years.
Please contact us as soon as possible if the property becomes occupied.
My property is a second home which is substantially furnished, does the empty premium charge apply?
At the moment, any property that is considered a second home does not attract the 50% premium. If you wish to advise us that your property is being used as a second home and is substantially furnished then please contact us. You will also need to send in any evidence which shows the property is being used as a second home. A Visiting Officer may do some further checks so please let us know your contact details in case a visit is to be arranged.
My property is having major works or structural repairs done to it so I can not move in. How to apply for the discount?
A property may be entitled to a 25% discount for a maximum of 12 months from the date the property became unoccupied. This requires the property is undergoing major structural alterations or undergoing major repair work to bring the property back into a habitable state. If you think your property may qualify, please see the Empty and Uninhabitable Discount page for further details (link to be created).